The vocabulary lists from five basal readers were examined in an effort (1) to determine what information is taught in the form of phonic generalizations in current, primary-level basal readers; (2) to examine intraprogram reliability of those generalizations; and (3) to determine whether the content of generalization instruction had changed since…

The effect of pictures on reading comprehension under different levels of text organization was investigated. Sixth graders (N=132) read three science passages, presented with or without pictures representing text content. Picture condition was crossed with three levels of text organization. Multiple-choice test scores were analyzed using reading…

To identify possible changes in the social functions of the Chinese educational system, content analyses were performed on selected national, Chinese language, primary school reading textbooks (First Edition, February 1978, Beijing People's Educational Press, Vols. I and II). Frequency of reference to each of the 10 regulations for children in…

A study examined historical changes in the content of consumer education and factors associated with these changes. Analysis was based on key writings on consumer education and an examination of fifteen high school texts published between 1938 and 1978. Only a few topics--budgeting, savings and investment, life insurance, and housing--received…

The "Garcia-Armstrong Matrix System" provides specific instructions for evaluating the way textbooks depict ethnic/minority groups. The matrix is formed by evaluating individual sentences for their references to the activity or passivity of the target group and to the status of the target group in relation to other groups named in the same…

The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics desired by college English teachers in a composition handbook with the characteristics actually found in those recently published in order to help teachers in the selection of this resource. Data were collected through a questionnaire sent to 200 members (170 responded) of the Conference on…

The Method for Analyzing Content Sequence (MACS), based on the Posner-Strike categorization scheme for classifying content sequencing principles, enables a curriculum researcher or evaluator to describe in quantitative terms how the content in any given curriculum guide or textbook is sequenced. Using MACS, a curriculum worker can determine both…

Since visual discrimination is one of the factors involved in learning from instructional media, the present study was designed (1) to investigate the effects of hue contrast, illuminant intensity, brightness contrast, and viewing distance on the discrimination accuracy of those who see color normally and those who do not, and (2) to investigate…

Under the sponsorship of the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation, a study was instituted to examine research and development in the educational materials industry. Using the open-ended interview method, data was collected from executives of major book publishers and their subsidiaries, and producers of materials other than books.…

Under the sponsorship of the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation, a study was instituted to examine research and development in the educational materials industry. Using the open-ended interview method, data was collected from executives of major book publishers and their subsidiaries, and producers of materials other than books.…

A comparative study of textbook terms was conducted to determine what high school science skills are necessary for success in associate degree physical science courses. Results indicate that, although enrollment in technology-training programs is increasing, high school textbook treatment of terms remains inadequate preparation for junior college…

Argues that many interventions for introducing Aboriginal children to literacy continue to be based on "language deficit" models. Examines whether there is indeed a mismatch between the nonstandard spoken language of some Aboriginal children and textbook language. (RAE)

Examines the thinking of social scientists, politicians, and others who write on the subject of intervention. Summarizes the past and present treatment of intervention in social studies textbooks, stating that teachers must go beyond their texts in identifying intervention as a problem with which society should be concerned. (GEA)

Reviews recent research addressing the problem of matching students' cognitive levels to science textbooks. Suggests that most texts are written above the level of the students for whom they are written. Promotes experiential learning at the middle level and concentration on "right thinking" rather than on "right answers." (CW)

Determined coverage given to 44 topics related to the study of evolution in 105 high school biology textbooks published between 1900 and 1983. Considers trends in popular and Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) textbooks, coverage of evolution in first editions, coverage of creationism, chapter titles and placement, and other areas. (JN)